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Best Family Friendly Campgrounds in South Carolina

family at a campfire

Updated April 2023

Camping season 2023 is around the corner in South Carolina and we’ve compiled the best campgrounds for families in SC.  Whether you are looking for a primitive family campsite or a luxury RV resort, South Carolina has a campground to suite your wishes!  We’ve sifted through all the data and found the top 9 family-friendly campgrounds for your next camping trip in South Carolina. (Is this your first time tent-camping with the kids?  Read this first.)

As parents ourselves, we know what’s important for a successful family camping trip.

  1. CLEAN BATHROOMS – so important for tent campers who rely on clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers! Even if you have a bathroom with your RV, its essential to have nice bathrooms when you are out and about exploring the parks.

  2. KIDS’ AREAS & ACTIVITIES. While it isn’t essential to have organized activities for children, they are nice to have as an option.  In addition – playgrounds and kid-friendly hiking trails are a must.

  3. CAMPSITE PRIVACY. No one wants to drive a couple hours from home with all their camping gear to just be crammed into a campsite practically on top of their neighbors!  We know we aren’t exactly back-packing into the wilderness, but bonus points for those campsites who have a measure of privacy so you can at least pretend you are miles away from society. (Check out this quick read on setting up a comfortable campsite)

With these criteria in mind, here is our suggested list of best campgrounds for families – SORTED GEOGRAPHICALLY EAST TO WEST.

  1. Ocean Lakes Family Campground – Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Campground at James Island County Park – Charleston, SC
  3. Hunting Island State Park – Hunting Island, SC
  4. River Bottom Farms Family Campground – Swansea, SC
  5. Dreher Island State Park – Prosperity, SC
  6. Hamilton Branch State Park – Plum Branch, SC
  7. Twin Lakes – Pendleton, SC
  8. Paris Mountain State Park – Greenville, SC
  9. Devil’s Fork State Park – Salem, SC
map locations of family friendly campgrounds in south carolina
splash zone at ocean lakes campground

Location:
6001 S Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Phone:     843-238-5636

 

map location of ocean lakes family campground

A mega resort situated on 310 oceanfront acres at Myrtle Beach.  With 859 campsites (641 with concrete pads) and 300 private rentals (both beach house and trailers) Ocean Lakes Family Campground is almost its own town!  If you are looking for tons of activities and amenities for the whole family – you can’t go wrong with this family-owned campground.  Reservations for campsites are site-specific, so you will know exactly which site you’ll be camping at.

If you are looking for a middle of nature, private camping experience – this is not the campground for you.  However, if you are looking for a family vacation with planned activities and plenty of options for every age – you’ll really like this resort!

Facilities 19 separate beach access sites
Playgrounds
Workout stations
Sports courts: volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard
Pool
Waterpark
Game Center
Mini-Golf
Café
Convenience Store
Laundromat
Nature Discovery Center
Bicycle Rentals
Golf cart rentals
Church

RV/Trailer/Tents

Sites: 859
Site features: All sites are pull-through
Most sites can accommodate a 40’ camper with slide-outs on both sides
Water & Sewer
20-30-50 amp electric
64 channel cable TV hook up
Free wifi
Phone jack with free local calls
Daily curbside trash pick up
Picnic table
Pets OK

Beach House & Trailer Rentals

Sites (either house or trailer): 300
Site features: Fully furnished
Bring your own linen & paper products
campsite with tent and picnic table

Location:

871 Riverland Dr.
Charleston, SC 29412

Phone: 843-795-4386

 

map location of james island campground

You’ll find 643 acre James Island County Park just a short drive from Charleston, SC.  There are miles of paved trails where you can go on family bike rides or just walk.  There is also a waterpark for kids as well as fishing, crabbing, and boating!

If you are bringing dogs with you – they’ll enjoy an off-leash park and several beaches where they can swim and play with new doggie friends!  Dog poo bag stations are installed throughout the park to make things easier for dog owners and less mess for everyone else!

Visitors report exceptionally clean shower houses and bathrooms.

Facilities 643 acre park
Paved nature trails
Splash Zone waterpark (seasonal)
Freshwater lakes with fishing
Pedal boats, kayak, paddleboard, and bicycle rentals
Playground
Tidal creek fishing and crabbing dock
Picnic areas
Off-leash dog park
Campground Store
Laundry Facility

RV/Trailer/Tents

Sites: 142
Site features: 20/30/50 amp service on all sitesDump stations

Bathhouses

Free Wifi

Full hookups

Grills/fire rings

Picnic table

Primitive Sites available

Cottages

Cottages: 10
Site features: 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathBed linens and blankets

Bath towels

Cooking utensils and flatware

Max 8 people

beach at hunting island campground

Location:

2555 Sea Island PKWY
Hunting Island, SC 29920

Phone: 843-838-2011

 

map location of hunting island campground

Hunting Island was hit hard by two separate hurricanes which caused widespread damage, washed away over half of the campsites and killed thousands of trees.  Despite the devastation, the campground is still stunningly beautiful with a breathtaking coastline and abundant trees and wildlife.  There is a salt marsh surrounding the island and there are plenty of educational opportunities for the young and old alike to learn about the nature and local wildlife.

One of the star attractions to this campground is the lighthouse.  167 steps to the top and you’ve got unbelievable vistas in 360 degrees!

Don’t be deterred by the reports of hurricane damage – this is a campground worth visiting and relaxing at!  Restrooms, showers, and facilities are all rated tops as far as cleanliness!

Facilities/Amenities

Boat ramp
Playground
Swimming beach
Free wifi
Picnic areas
Restrooms
Dump station
Camp store
Trails
Lighthouse

RV/Trailer/Tents

Sites: 102
Site features: 20/30 & 50 amp electrical
Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft, some up to 28 ft

Cabin

Cabin: 1
Site features: Included: linens, basic cooking/eating utensils, satellite television, dvd player, free WiFi, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, coffee maker, central air/heat, outside grill, picnic table.Note: Pets not allowed
store at river bottom family campground

Location:

357 State Rd S-32-45
Swansea, SC 29160

Phone: 803-568-4182

 

map location of river bottom campground

River Bottom Farms Family Campground is a low-key, family-centered campground.  There are so many outdoor fun things for kids to do – from playgrounds, to 3 stocked ponds full of fish, to all sorts of recreational games you can borrow and use.  The camp staff have planned activities such as games, craft time, karaoke night, bingo, and wagon rides to name a few.  Pets are welcome as well in the camping area (not the cabins).

The bathhouse and laundry facilities are clean and well maintained.  Besides young families you’ll find many other grandparents vacationing with their grandchildren!

Facilities/Amenities

Swimming pool
Fishing in ponds, creeks, and North Edisto River
Arcade
Nature walks
Gaga ball and human foosball courts
Playground
ADA bathhouse, showers
Laundry facilities
General store
Pet-friendly
Dump station
Free WiFi

RV/Trailer/Tent:

Sites: 62
Site features: Full hookups
30 & 50 amp
Sewer
Water

Cabins:

Cabins: 3
Site features: Heat and Air
Fully furnished
Bring your own linens
No smoking or pets
campsite at dreher island campground

Location:

3677 State Park Rd
Prosperity, SC 29127

Phone: 803-364-4152

 

map location of dreher island campground

Dreher Island State Park is best known for its three islands that link to the mainland by a causeway and two bridges.  The park is 348 acres and includes 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray which is popular for boating and fishing (including national fishing tournaments!).

Families with young children will enjoy the nature trails as well as playgrounds scattered throughout the park.  Older children will enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, boating, biking, and geocaching.  For scuba divers with their own equipment – Lake Murray offers incredible dive sites with boat wrecks, a giant bridge, railroad trestles, rock ledges, and even an entire house!  Contact the park office for information on diving permits.

Facilities/Amenities

Community building
Picnic shelters (10)
Fishing tournament shelters
3 boat ramps with private boat access to Lake Murray
3 playgrounds
Recreational trails
Community bath/shower facilities
Dump Station

RV/Trailer/Tent:

Sites: 97
Site features: Paved Sites
Water hook-ups
Electrical hook-ups
Picnic table

Tent Specific Sites

Sites: 15
Site features: Water, electric hook-ups
Picnic table

Primitive Camping Area

Site features: For organized groups (see website for details)
Central water
Picnic tables
Up to 25 campers

Lakeside Villas:

2-Bedroom Villas: 2
3-Bedroom Villas: 3 (one of these is user friendly for physically impaired)
Site features: No pets allowed
Linens, basic cooking/eating utensils provided
Heat/AC
Gas fireplace
Microwave
Satellite television
Free Wifi
Coffee maker
Screened porch
Outside grill
Picnic table

Camper Cabins:

Camper Cabins 10
Site features: 12 x 12 ft
1 set bunk beds
1 double bed
Heat/AC
Indoor lighting
Electrical outlets
Wifi
Outside water spigot
Fire Ring
Grill
NO running water, linens are NOT provided
No pets (until 1 Jan 20)
** After Jan 1, 2020 – pets are allowed in cabins #2-5.
dock at hamilton branch campground

111 Campground Rd
Plum Branch, SC 29845

Phone: 864-333-2223

 

map location of hamilton branch campground

Families who love spending time on the water will really enjoy their stay at Hamilton Branch State Park.  Many of their campsites are on the waterfront of 70,000-acre Lake Thurmond.  Shoreline fishing is popular as well as deep water fishing for bass, bream, striper, catfish, and crappie.

Besides water activities – there are a number of other family-friendly recreational activities at the park.  Family biking trips can begin on the trail connector to the Stevens Creek Bike Trail – a 12 mile trail (with some sections unpaved).  Bicycle rentals are available at the park office for reasonable rates. If your family enjoys Geocaching, there are several geocaches located throughout the park just waiting to be discovered!  In the Park Office you can also check out outdoor games: horseshoes, bean bag toss, kickballs, frisbees, and more.

Facilities/Amenities

8 Comfort stations (restroom facilities & hot showers)
2 Dump stations
No Wi-Fi available
2 private boat ramps
Trail connector to 12-mil Stevens Creek Bike Trail

RV/Trailer/Tent:

Sites: 173
Site features: 150 sites are waterfront
Water & electricity

Tent Specific Sites

Sites: 11
Site features: Water only

Primitive Camping Area

Sites: 4
Up to 400 people
Picnic tables
Fire ring
Nearby restrooms
campsite at twin lakes campground sc

140 Winnebago Trail
Pendleton, SC 29670

Phone: 912-598-2300

 

map location of twin lakes campground

Twin Lakes Campground is a picturesque area located on Hartwell Lake.  The campground has wooded areas all around the lake with several campsites waterfront.  By far, the most popular activity for families is boating and all watersports like fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.  In addition there are several trails that are fun for mountain biking and hiking.

The campground is spacious, you won’t feel like you are living on top of your neighbors.  The water and trees provide peace and tranquility.

Facilities/Amenities

152 Acre recreational area
Picnic shelter
5 comfort stations with showers
2 dump stations
5 playgrounds
Swim area/beach
Fishing & boating

RV/Trailer/Tent:

Sites: 102
Site features: Water, electric hook ups
campsite at paris mountain campground

2401 State Park Rd
Greenville, SC 29609

Phone: 864-244-5565

 

map location of paris mountain campground

Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain is the perfect destination campground for families who love to hike.  There are many different hiking trails, at all levels of difficulty, to explore.  After hiking you can cool off in Lake Placid which has a summer swimming area as well as opportunity to rent paddle boards and kayaks.  The campground areas are quiet and wooded and are very peaceful.  Facilities are older, but well maintained and clean.

Facilities/Amenities

1540 Acres of parkland
Miles of hiking and biking trails
4 park lakes (Lake Placid, Mountain Lake, Buckhorn Lake, and North Lake)
Swimming area (seasonal)
Park Center
Picnic shelters
Dump Station

RV/Trailer

Sites: 26
Site features: Electric and water

Designated Tent Sites

Sites: 13
Site features: Electric and water

Trailside Camping Sites

Sites: 5
Site features: Each site can accommodate up to 2 small tents and 5 people
campsite at devils fork campground sc

161 Holcombe Circle
Salem, SC 29676

Phone: 864-944-2639

 

map location of devils fork campground

Devil’s Fork State Park sits alongside incredible Lake Jocassee – a 7565 acre, clear water lake.  The waters are exceptionally clear and are super popular with SCUBA divers, snorkelers, swimmers, canoers, kayakers, and paddleboarders.  Lake Jocassee is fed by mountain streams and several waterfalls, making its temperatures cooler than surrounding area lakes and known for its trout fishing.

Families can choose from four different camping methods – the standard campsites (for RVs and tents), a primitive tent camping ground, a boat-in campground, and 20 two-and-three-bedroom lakeside villas.  In addition spring time is the only time to see the rare Oconee Bell blooms (mid-March to April).

Facilities/Amenities

3 boat ramps
Meeting room
Dump Station
Restrooms with hot showers
Laundry facilities

RV/Trailer/Tent

Campsites: 59
Site features: 2 vehicles per site allowed
Electric/Water
12’ x 12’ tent pad
Max 2 tents per site
Picnic table
Fire ring

Tent Only Sites (walk-in):

Sites: 25
Site features: 12’ x 12’ elevated tent pad
Max 1 tent per site
Picnic table
Fire ring
No electric/water
Water spigots & restrooms are located adjacent to the walk-in tent parking area

Boat-In Campground:

Campground: 1
Site features: Boat-in backcountry campsites located on northern shore of Lake Jocassee at base of Musterground Mountain.
Open seasonally
Combination fire rings/grill pits
No pets allowed
No water, electrical or restroom facilities
All trash must be removed upon departure

Lakeside Villas

2-Bedroom/1-Bath Villas: 15
3-Bedroom/2-Bath Villas: 5
Site features: Beginning 1 Jan 20 – pets allowed in villas 1-5
Fully furnished
All linens provided
Kitchen appliances, basic cooking/eating utensils provided
Heat/AC
Satellite TV
Free WiFi
Screened porch
Charcoal grill
Picnic table

 

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